weblog by angel robinson

 {photos courtesy of Mrs. Alonda Morehead} 

Recently, a high school friend of mine circulated some gorgeous pictures of her son. It goes without saying that he is absolutely adorable. However, what I immediately zoomed in on was the monogram on his shirt collar. This is a fantastic way to modernize a classic button-down shirt in an unexpected way as monograms are usually on the cuff.  Also, I love that the typography is fresh and modern and in a non-traditional configuration.  I am totally inspired to add to my monogram collection. I’m also totally inspired to embellish my collars!

After the extremely positive feedback from my first inspiration board, I decided to do more. Here’s the second in the series which will become postcards available soon.  I believe everyone needs to have words on encouragement around everyday.  Life can get overwhelming and it helps to know that everything, eventually, will be alright.

 (images courtesy of Nordstrom, here and here)

 As you all know, I’ve been a floral fanatic lately. Modern floral design is so chic and sophisticated. You can be simultaneously retro and fashion forward. I just love how these bags by legendary designer Valentino use leather in such a delicate and feminine way. It’s unapologetically ladylike. I’m so in love.

My holiday collection on 2007 featured a card called the Penthouse which had this fantastic red, reptilian paper. One of the clients liked her cards so much that she wanted this paper on her business cards. I hadn’t even thought about that as an application. However, we did it and she loved it and the rest is history! I loved this project.

{photos courtesy of Save-on-Crafts}

How gorgeous are these flowers? Would you believe they’re sculpted from wood? Well they are. I couldn’t believe it either. I absolutely love them. They are made from Sola wood peel from the tapioca plant which is a naturally obtained product.  I love how delicate they look. I, of course, had to buy some and I can’t wait to receive them and make an arrangment. How awesome would a floral arrangement made of these look? What about a wedding bouquet? Possibilities are endless. You can find them at Save-on-Crafts.  Let me know if you get them and by all means send pics of what you make!

Going through some old files, I came across this piece from two years ago.  My good friends Christy and Jeffrey were so proud their puppy had completed obedience school, that we decided to create announcements. These bring me so much joy because on one hand it’s cute and on the other it’s ridiculous. Christy’s favorite part is the Eleanor Roosevelt quote! These announcements prove that stationery doesn’t have to be formal and conservative if that’s not who you are. Your personal ephemera tells the story of your life. What’s your story?

I believe in positive affirmation. I have always had a collection of Post-it notes stuck on my computer or wall with inspirational sayings and quotes.  Today for fun, I decided to take some of the affirmations I repeat to myself and create an inspiration board.  What would yours say? How do you motivate yourself to be your best?

Lately, I’ve been in love with floral prints. The large cabbage rose prints of the late 70s and early 80s that were always ladylike and refined. I’ve been seeking inspiration in the color and illustrations of these prints.  In the end though, the most impressive and expressive beauty and inspiration comes from the natural flowers themselves.  Take a look at these gorgeous photos taken by two good friends of mine Staci Shorten and Jen Pack.  Staci is a hobbyist photographer who is finding her voice and critical eye in nature and Jen is a professional whose work you can see in detail here and here.  Both are great women and college classmates of mine.  Who knew that the spark of inspiration I was looking for was not in some vintage wallpaper or fabric book, but right on my computer generated by my friends?

Enjoy.

I love the pure red of this tulip.

(courtesy Staci Lynn Shorten)

And how luscious is the red-orange of this ranunculus?

(courtesy Jen Pack)

 I love how these azaleas are just the perfect blend of blue, silver, and purple. Stunning.

(courtesy of Staci Lynn Shorten)

This yellow reminds me of butter and cream and sunlight and everything happy.

(courtesy Staci Lynn Shorten)

It’s no secret I love pink. How sweet is this delicate bud? Pink just makes me happy.

(courtesy Jen Pack)

via (msnbc; photo credit Martin Oeggerli/Zuma Press)

I came across this photo during a multimedia story on the beauty of micropollen.  How gorgeous is this color? It’s amazing how something that is a nuisance during the spring can be so absolutely breathtaking when looked from a different point of view.  I guess that’s the true story of everything that’s considered annoying or ugly or dispensible. Just change your point of view and the whole thing can magically become the most beautiful, most amazing thing you’ve ever seen.

(via Horne)

I saw this lamp and gasped because it’s so beautiful and so me. I love how it has the strong vertical base which supports the graceful curve of the shade support bar.  The shade itself is lovely in the juxtoposition of its soft shape and dramatic color. If any of my friends are sitting at home just racking their brains on what to get me for Christmas (or belated birthday gift), this lamp will win you many, many brownie points.  Besides, if this lamp was good enough for Winston Churchill’s desk, it’s good enough for mine!